Living on the third floor of a 1920s art deco apartment in St Kilda, residents have long relied on ceiling fans rather than air conditioning, a tradition that has endured for over a century. This choice stems from a dislike of artificial “dry air” and a commitment to energy conservation, keeping power bills manageable during the sweltering summer months.
In homes equipped with both fans and air conditioning, the practice of fan-first cooling is gaining traction. This strategy prioritizes the use of electric fans, reserving air conditioning for particularly hot days and heatwaves. According to a recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme, sustainable cooling methods, including fan use, could reduce global emissions by 64% by 2050.
Keeping Cool as the Planet Heats Up
As summer temperatures soar, so do indoor health risks, particularly for the elderly, young children, and those with cardiovascular conditions. Globally, heat-related deaths were estimated to have reached nearly 500,000 annually by 2019, a figure that continues to rise as climate impacts worsen.
With power prices and carbon emissions at the forefront of many people’s minds, electric fans offer a more energy-efficient alternative, using as little as 3% of the energy consumed by air conditioning. In Australia, a study published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) found that fan-first cooling could reduce electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions from air conditioning by over 70% annually.
“A fan on high speed can make the perceived temperature 4°C cooler,” says Jenny Edwards, director and scientist at Light House ArchiScience.
The Role of Air Conditioning
Despite the benefits of fan-first cooling, air conditioners still play a crucial role. The MJA study warns that when temperatures become excessively hot and dry, fans may exacerbate heat strain, as the body struggles to produce enough sweat to cool itself.
A University of Sydney crossover trial explored the impact of dehydration on core temperature, revealing that fan use increased heart rate and sweat loss by 60% during high humidity conditions. This highlights the importance of using air conditioning during extreme heat.
Maximizing Comfort and Efficiency
Electric fans can generally be used effectively up to 27°C, although personal preferences and home comfort levels vary. Fans can be safely combined with other strategies in indoor temperatures up to 37°C. Beyond this, alternative cooling methods, such as closing blinds, wetting the skin, or visiting air-conditioned public spaces, are recommended.
Heat-related illnesses are serious, with symptoms ranging from excessive sweating and dizziness to life-threatening heatstroke. The University of Sydney’s HeatWatch provides forecasts and tips for staying cool during heatwaves.
The ‘Great Forgetting’ of Simple Cooling Methods
Despite the cost and energy efficiency of fan cooling, it has not become the norm. Jenny Edwards attributes this to a “great forgetting” of simple home cooling strategies, exacerbated by modern home designs with excessive unshaded glass and the normalization of air conditioning in public spaces.
“Don’t wait until the peak time of 5pm to turn on the air-con,” advises Tim Forcey, author of My Efficient Electric Home Handbook.
Forcey emphasizes the importance of using air conditioning in conjunction with other cooling methods, such as closing blinds and insulating homes. He also notes the federal government’s offer of free daytime electricity, encouraging pre-cooling homes before peak times.
Looking Ahead: A Balanced Approach
In the meantime, residents like those in St Kilda will continue to rely on ceiling fans, staying hydrated and keeping blinds down as summer intensifies. This balanced approach to cooling not only conserves energy but also ensures comfort and safety during the hottest months.
As climate change continues to impact global temperatures, embracing fan-first cooling and other sustainable practices could play a significant role in reducing emissions and promoting energy efficiency worldwide.
